How Many Clubs in a Golf Bag for Kids: The Essential Guide

How to Kick Off Your Kid's Golf Journey

So your kid's picking up golf—awesome. But now you're staring at a wall of shiny clubs, wondering, How many of these do they actually need? Let's break it down, plain and simple.

Adult bags typically carry 14 clubs per the rules of the game, but let's be real: unless your kid's headed to the Masters, stuffing a full set into a toddler's golf bag is a recipe for frustration, not fun. They'll spend more time tipping over than teeing off.

The goal isn't to load 'em up like a tour pro—it's to get them swinging, smiling, and maybe sticking around long enough to make it to the 9th hole.

Let's dive into what clubs young kids really need and how to build a set that grows with them. As they progress from beginners to more advanced players, the right equipment will be crucial in supporting their development and their desire to stick with it.

How Many Clubs? What the Rules Say vs. What Kids Actually Need

According to the USGA, golfers are allowed to carry up to 14 clubs. That's the official rule. The USGA decided on this rule to ensure fairness and consistency in the game. But it’s a cap, not a requirement and it provides a club for every situation, from the driver to the sand wedge to that trusty putter that sometimes listens.

But here's the deal: your 5-year-old might not be quite ready to play in the U.S. Open. Not yet, anyway.

For the youngest players just starting out, loading up their golf bag with 14 clubs is like teaching driver’s ed on a Ferrari. It's way too much.

For kids starting golf, it is less about how many clubs, and all about the right clubs; a lightweight set that fits their tiny sizes and motor skills. Fewer clubs also promote better focus and more fun. The goal is to help them learn the game without feeling overwhelmed or weighed down.

So yes, while the rulebook allows a full set, your child's best game might come from just a few well-matched clubs and a bag they can carry without toppling between holes.

The Essential Clubs Every Little Golfer Needs

When you're buying for a 3 to 5-year-old, you're not just shopping for golf equipment—you're setting the stage for how they'll feel about the game. It's crucial to find the right size and lightweight options to ensure your kid enjoys the experience.

So let's keep it simple.

Kids this age don't need an entire set. In fact, too many clubs will do more harm than good. Think of it like this: you wouldn't hand your 3-year-old toddler a LEGO Star Wars Imperial Death Star set. At the earliest stages of children’s development, they are first and foremost trying to figure out what they like and what they don’t like. And if an activity is overwhelming to start, they will lose interest fast. So if you want your kid to develop a love of building things, or simply to understand the basics of building blocks, you do not start with a thousand LEGO pieces.

Here's all a young beginner really needs in a kids golf bag:

• Lightweight Driver or Fairway Wood – Just one. Something easy to swing and fun to smack the ball with. It makes them feel powerful—and that's a win.

• Iron (a 7 or 8) – One club to help them learn solid contact and feel the joy of watching a ball fly.

• Putter – The magic wand. Where they start learning touch, feel, and patience (kind of). Bonus: putters are easy to practice with at home.

That's it. Three clubs. Easy to carry. Easy to swing. Easy to love.

As they grow in strength and interest, you can start to add other clubs—maybe a wedge, maybe a hybrid. But at this age, the goal isn't to prepare them for tournaments. It's to make sure they have fun, stay safe, and want to play again and again.

Once they're older—say 6 or 7 and up—they'll start edging into the junior golf category, where a few more clubs and structured practice make more sense. But in these early years, fun and fundamentals are the name of the game.

Typical Club Counts by Age Range

Let's break it down. Not every kid needs the same number of clubs, and age is a good starting point when deciding what goes in the bag.

Ages 3–5: 3 to 5 Clubs

Less is more. For toddlers just getting started, features such as lightweight material and proper sizing are crucial. A lightweight driver, a 7-iron, and a putter are your go-to's. If they're having fun and showing interest, you can toss in a wedge—but only if they're ready. Think fun-sized, not full set. Their golf bag should feel more like a superhero utility belt than a full-blown pro kit, and typically around 21.5" tall.

Ages 6–8: 5 to 7 Clubs

Now they're getting a little more serious. Swings are stronger. Attention spans are (slightly) longer. It's important to select equipment that is still lightweight and manageable for their developing bodies. This is a good time to add a fairway wood, maybe a hybrid, and a pitching wedge to round out their game. Still lightweight, still manageable. You're slowly building their confidence—and their set. 

Ages 9–12: 6 to 10 Clubs

Welcome to the golden window of junior golf. Skills are sharper, swings are faster, and course time becomes more regular. Once your kid starts showing real interest—and maybe even eyeing those junior tournaments—it might be time to beef up the golf bag.

They could be ready for up to 10 clubs: a few more irons, a trusty sand wedge, maybe even a second wood or a driver upgrade if they're swinging with confidence.

But here’s the key: don’t just add clubs to “complete the set.” Every club should earn its spot. If it doesn’t serve a real purpose in their game, it’s just extra weight. This isn’t about looking the part—it’s about playing smarter.

The right gear doesn’t just help them play better—it makes the whole round more fun. And really, isn’t that the name of the game?

Types of Kids Golf Clubs

Picking the right kids golf clubs can totally change the game—for your kid and for you. 

Kids golf is not as competitive as the adult market, but there are brands in the market offering age specific sets and more recently we have seen kids golf clubs with adjustable shafts where you can swap in longer shafts as your child grows

Bottom line? You have to pick the set that makes sense for you and your child. A set with adjustable shaft lengths, for example, may sound good in principle and more cost effective over time, but a longer shaft with the same club head changes the overall balance of the club and that swing that felt great when your kid was 5 may feel like a struggle with the longer shaft at age 6, unless you adjust the weight of the club head. 

Picking the right clubs from the start will keep them playing longer, learning faster, and actually enjoying the game. 

When to Add More Clubs to Their Bag

Think of building your child's golf set like building a LEGO tower—you add pieces one block at a time, not all at once.

So when do you start adding more clubs? When they're swinging more confidently, asking questions like "What's this one for?" or consistently playing a few holes without needing a break every five minutes. That's your green light. 

Here's a simple progression:

• Step 1: Start with 3 clubs—driver, iron, putter.

• Step 2: Add a pitching wedge or sand wedge when they're getting comfortable around the green.

• Step 3: Introduce a hybrid or fairway wood as they build swing speed and want more distance.

• Step 4: Slowly round out the set as they get into structured practice or even junior tournaments.

But remember, this isn't a race. Adding more clubs too soon can actually slow down progress. Kids don't need to be managing 8 different options every time they play golf—they need to focus on swing basics, confidence, and fun.

And keep in mind: every club added should match their current size and ability. That old junior 5-iron from the garage? If it's too heavy or too long, it's not helping—it's hurting.

So go at their pace. Watch their swing. Listen to their questions. And let their love for the game guide the growth of their set. Ensure they develop adequately with the rest of their golfing skills before adding more clubs.

Picking the Right Golf Bag: It's More Than Just a Holder

You might think a golf bag is just... a bag. Something to toss the clubs into and call it a day. But for kids, especially the little ones, the right kids golf bag can make or break their experience on the course or even from the parking lot to the range.

Here's what to look for:

1. Lightweight is Life

If your child needs two hands just to lift their bag, we've got a problem. Look for lightweight, high-quality materials that make it easy for them to carry—even if it's just from the car to the range. 

2. Stand Bags Are Your Friend

A stand bag with legs that pop out. It keeps the bag upright, easy to access, and out of the mud. Bonus: kids love anything that "pops out." It's part golf gear, part Transformer.

3. Size Matters

A toddler golf bag should fit the kid, not the other way around. Bags that are 21.5" tall should be suitable for most toddler golfers (ages 3 to 5). If the bag drags on the ground or keeps hitting the back of their legs, it's too big. Most brands label their bags by age or height range. A good fit keeps them moving comfortably from hole to hole.

4. Just Enough Pockets

You don't need a bag with 12 compartments, but a few essential pockets for balls, tees, and maybe a snack (because snacks are sacred) will do just fine. The goal is simple and functional—not a mobile clubhouse.

5. Match Their Style (and Yours)

Let's be honest—if your kid likes how it looks, they're way more likely to use it. Whether it's bold colors, clean designs, or something that "looks like Dad's, but for kids," the bag should feel like theirs. You're building excitement, not just buying equipment.

At the end of the day, a golf bag isn't just there to carry clubs. It's part of your child's identity on the course. The right bag can help them feel like a real golfer—even if their "round" only makes it to hole 4 before turning into a cartwheel session.

Common Mistakes to Avoid, We've All Made Them

Buying your kid golf gear shouldn't feel like navigating a minefield—but it can be. So here's a quick list of mines to steer clear of, straight from the "I learned the hard way" files.

1. Buying a Full Set Right Away

Yes, it's tempting. All those clubs in a shiny bag—like a golf buffet. But if your kid's just starting, that full set is mostly going to collect dust. Start small and build  as they grow.

2. Picking Clubs That Are Too Heavy or Too Long

This one's big. It’s tempting to just pick up any smaller clubs, or just give them a hand-me-down junior set your neighbor had gathering dust in his garage. After all, you are just trying to figure out if your kid even likes golf. It’s not because they don’t like golf, it’s because the clubs are not the right fit for them. As any golfer of any age can attest to, the game is hard enough, don’t make it harder, especially when they are so young and impressionable. This is your opportunity to grow a love for the game, or turn them off of it for years.  

3. Don’t Cheap Out on the Bag

Totally get it—golf gear adds up. But the kids golf bag is an essential component of the full experience. A flimsy bag with bad straps and no stand turns every round into a balancing act. If it’s flopping over, digging into their shoulder, or dragging behind them like a reluctant puppy, they’re not going to be excited to use it. Make sure it’s something they can carry comfortably and proudly.

4. Resist the Urge to Overpack

Yes, the bag has room. No, you don’t need to fill it like you’re prepping for a golf apocalypse. More clubs mean more confusion, more weight, and more “I’m done” moments. Keep the set lean and focused on fun—swing, smile, snack, repeat.

5. Ignoring Style

It might sound silly, but if they don't like their gear, they won't want to use it. Let them pick a color. Let them feel like it's theirs. Confidence often starts with something as small as loving your golf bag.

Avoid these, and you're well on your way to raising a happy little golfer who actually wants to hit the course again and again. That's the real win.

Wrapping It Up: Keep It Light, Keep It Fun

Here’s the bottom line—your kid doesn’t need a tour bag, a dozen plus clubs, or the latest driver with more bells and whistles than a spaceship. What they do need? A few clubs that fit well, a bag they love and can actually carry, and a grown-up who’s willing to roll with the shanks and celebrate the small wins.

Whether you go with a trusted name or check out something purpose-built like Liteyear Golf, the goal stays the same: build confidence, keep it fun, and give your child a game they’ll want to play for life.

Because in the end, it’s not about perfect gear or flawless form—it’s about the memories you make, one swing (and snack break) at a time.

FAQ

Q: How many clubs should my child start with?

For beginners ages 3–5, start with 3 clubs: a driver, a 7-iron, and a putter. That’s all they need to learn the basics and have fun. You can add a wedge if they’re ready, but simple is best.

Q: When should I add more clubs to their bag?

Add clubs gradually as your child grows stronger, more confident, and starts asking questions like, “What’s this club for?” If they’re playing more regularly or showing interest in junior golf or tournaments, that’s a great time to expand their set.

Q: What’s the official rule for club limits?

The USGA allows up to 14 clubs during a round—but that’s for competition play. For kids, especially beginners, carrying 14 clubs is not only unnecessary, it’s counterproductive.

Q: How do I know if a club is the right size for my kid?

If they are struggling to lift with one hand and swing it, it’s too heavy. If they have to hold the club below the grip, it’s too tall. It’s not an exact science, but you will be able to tell if the struggle is due to the player learning to swing for the first time or if the equipment is unwieldy. Look for clubs made specifically for your child’s height and age. A properly sized club helps them build a better swing and enjoy the game more.

Q: What makes a good kids golf bag?

Look for something lightweight with a built-in stand, comfortable straps, and just a few pockets. Your kid should be able to carry it on their own without feeling like they’re hauling camping gear.

Q: Do I need to buy a full set right away?

Nope. In fact, don’t. Start small and build as they go. A full set from the start often leads to confusion, frustration, and extra gear you don’t need yet.

Ready to Get Your Kid Started?

If you're looking for gear that's built just for little golfers—lightweight, stylish, and actually fun to use—check out the Liteyear Golf Kids Clubs and Golf Bag. Similarly, for more personalized choices, consider Build Your Bag where you can select individual clubs and accessories perfect for your young golfer.

Designed by a golfing dad who's been through the toddler tantrums and tee box trials, every Liteyear set is crafted to help kids play better, feel more confident, and fall in love with the game from day one.

• Smart sizing

• Kid-carry-friendly bags

• Everything they need. Nothing they don't.

Whether it's your child's first swing or their first full round, Liteyear's got their back,and their bag.

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